Simon Callaghan's "British Piano Concertos," released on April 1, 2022, under the Lyrita label, is a captivating exploration of mid-20th-century British classical music. This album features 18 tracks, spanning a total of 1 hour and 8 minutes, and showcases a collection of overlooked piano concertos and suites that deserve a place in the spotlight.
The album opens with the Wellington Suite, a five-movement work that displays a range of emotions and musical styles. Following this, Callaghan performs two concertinos for piano and orchestra, each with three movements, highlighting his technical prowess and expressive depth. The Concertante for Piano, Percussion & Strings, Op. 24, adds a unique texture to the collection with its distinctive instrumentation.
Nature's Song, reconstructed by Simon Callaghan himself, offers a refreshing interlude before delving into A Little Concerto on Themes of Thomas Arne. This four-movement work is a delightful homage to the English Baroque composer, showcasing Callaghan's versatility and musical sensitivity.
Throughout the album, Callaghan is accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Martyn Brabbins, delivering a rich and nuanced performance. The album is a testament to Callaghan's dedication to reviving and presenting these neglected works, offering listeners a chance to discover the beauty and innovation of British piano concertos from the mid-20th century.
Tracks
Wellington Suite: I. Allegretto con brioJohn Addison, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Wellington Suite: II. Andante, un poco pomposoJohn Addison, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Wellington Suite: III Allegro vivaceJohn Addison, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Wellington Suite: IV. Moderato, tempo di valseJohn Addison, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Wellington Suite: V. Allegro con brioJohn Addison, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Concertino for Piano & Orchestra: I. Allegro non troppo e ritmicoArthur Benjamin, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Concertino for Piano & Orchestra: II. Andante poco lentoArthur Benjamin, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Concertino for Piano & Orchestra: III. Scherzo. Presto scherzandoArthur Benjamin, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Concertino for Piano & Orchestra: IV. Come primo ma meno allegroArthur Benjamin, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Concertino No. 2 for Piano & String Orchestra: I. Allegro moltoElizabeth Maconchy, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Concertino No. 2 for Piano & String Orchestra: II. Lento, seriosoElizabeth Maconchy, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Concertino No. 2 for Piano & String Orchestra: III. Allegro con brioElizabeth Maconchy, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Concertante for Piano, Percussion & Strings, Op. 24Humphrey Searle, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
Nature's Song (Reconstr. S. Callaghan)Edmund Rubbra, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
A Little Concerto on Themes of Thomas Arne: I. AndanteGeoffrey Bush, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
A Little Concerto on Themes of Thomas Arne: II. AllegroGeoffrey Bush, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
A Little Concerto on Themes of Thomas Arne: III. SicilianoGeoffrey Bush, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
A Little Concerto on Themes of Thomas Arne: IV. VivaceGeoffrey Bush, Simon Callaghan, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Martyn Brabbins
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